Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Mar 24, 2015

Warwick 425 posts

Topic: General Discussion / washing hands ?

I always have hand sanitising gels on me, and use them. Mainly to avoid bacterial infections, but always to get readings as accurate as possible. I have heard from some people that some brands will raise the reading, so check the contents before buying. I've never had any trouble myself with the brands I have used. I'd tell yu the brands that I use, but I suspect that being in Australia, different brands are available here than in the UK.

Mar 23, 2015

glen4 46 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / white rice

You weigh the rice after its cooked? Rice is slow acting carbs so maybe lower your insulin dose? What's your readings 2-3 hours later?

Mar 22, 2015

SimonC 78 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Too Many Sticks!

Peter said:
If your doctor is complaining about the level of strip usage, I'd suggest you refer them to the new NICE National Clinical Guideline on the treatment which should provided to all Type 1 Diabetics in the UK. Whilst it is still in draft form at the moment, the final version is due to be published later this year (target August). The relevant recommendations for Blood Glucose Control, which is listed as a key priority for implementation is:

Support adults with type 1 diabetes to test at least 4 times a day, and up to 10 times a day if any of the following apply:
the target for blood glucose control, measured by HbA1c level (see recommendation 1.6.6), is not achieved
the frequency of hypoglycaemic episodes increases
there is a legal requirement to do so (such as before driving, in line with DVLA requirements)
during periods of illness
before and after sport
when planning pregnancy, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding
Given that these circumstances apply to most of us, this recommendation should be enough to persuade GPs of the need for a sensible quantity of test strops per day.

Peter - I think this is good, sound advice, and a very useful list of re the reasons why we need to test - all T1 should know this, and be able to quote it, as certainly in the UK, with more and more pressures being put on GP's to save money, there may be a tendency for them to look at the short term gains in saving on stuff such as strips and needles, without the bigger picture of much more costly saving in the longer term being made by using them.

Mar 22, 2015

ketostix pla... 25 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Urticaria&type1 vs tattoo

Thanks guy for your responses, much appreciated

Mar 22, 2015

Peter 109 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Too Many Sticks!

Should have said that the guidance can be found here: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/gid-cgwaver122/documents/type-1-diabetes-update-draft-nice-guideline2

Mar 22, 2015

Peter 109 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Too Many Sticks!

If your doctor is complaining about the level of strip usage, I'd suggest you refer them to the new NICE National Clinical Guideline on the treatment which should provided to all Type 1 Diabetics in the UK. Whilst it is still in draft form at the moment, the final version is due to be published later this year (target August). The relevant recommendations for Blood Glucose Control, which is listed as a key priority for implementation is:

Support adults with type 1 diabetes to test at least 4 times a day, and up to 10 times a day if any of the following apply:

the target for blood glucose control, measured by HbA1c level (see recommendation 1.6.6), is not achieved
the frequency of hypoglycaemic episodes increases
there is a legal requirement to do so (such as before driving, in line with DVLA requirements)
during periods of illness
before and after sport
when planning pregnancy, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding

Given that these circumstances apply to most of us, this recommendation should be enough to persuade GPs of the need for a sensible quantity of test strops per day.

Mar 22, 2015

Peter 109 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Travelling by plane with an insulin pump

Update from my trip to US last month wearing a patch pump (Omnipod) is that the patch wasn't detected by the standard security monitors either in Heathrow or Atlanta. I'd imagine that the same wouldn't be true of the newer whole body scanners, but will have to wait for another trip to see what happens then.

I guess this could be another advantage for the Omnipod over a traditional pump for anyone travelling regularly.

Mar 22, 2015

meakin 1 post

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / white rice

Does anybody have trouble with white rice.I've just been DAFNE trained and I am having a problem with rice.I am taking the correct QA insulin but I regular then suffer a low blood sugar after a couple of hours as if the insulin is working quicker than the rice is.Any suggestions please.

Mar 22, 2015

Stew B 125 posts

Topic: General Discussion / washing hands ?

If it's confession time, I must admit that I seldom wash my hands specifically for BG testing.. If I've got dirty hands through gardening etc. or if I get a reading that's wildly different to the expectation than yes (before re-testing), but otherwise no.

I seem to remember being warned on my DAFNE course not to use wet-wipes (but then I also seem to remember being advised to always wash my hands before testing).

Stew

Mar 22, 2015

ArleneSarahC... 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Urticaria&type1 vs tattoo

I suffer from idiopathic urticaria and dermagraphism too. Mine becomes really bad if I've been sunbathing. Anyway I haven't had a breakout for a couple of years now and I have had tattoos without any problems.

Always good to discuss with your derm doctor though.

Mar 21, 2015

alturn 78 posts

Topic: General Discussion / washing hands ?

If I can't wash in warm water (preferably with soap), I wouldn't use anything, just test and adjust as required. I don't think I've ever been far out using this method, but my hands are normally free from obvious things like soil, oil etc. I don't use cold water as my knuckles tend to split when cold, and I think some of these gels cause me dry skin (others may have different results). If they were very mucky or unable to test, I would take a best guess and inject based on carbs, activity and previous experience.

Welcome to DAFNE and happy testing.

Mar 21, 2015

dannyd64 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / washing hands ?

High folks, I have never really done BG tests in the past 45 years but now I have started on DAFNE I am, My question is, what do people use to clean their hands before a BG if you are nowhere near a clean soap and water supply. Do wipes, lotions and gels cause falls readings. Thanks in advance.

Mar 19, 2015

KC 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Kit bags

Many thanks HelenH for the recommendation. I ordered the cosmetic/makeup bag which is great and extremely useful. I admit that it's a bit bigger than I am use to, however it does contain many useful sections. K

Mar 16, 2015

sarahg 29 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter)

Hi guys , iam still ordering the 2 sensors at a time as the subscription is still not up and running
Has anyone found there arms are getting a bit sore now after using these for a few months now?
I have found that my arms appear to be a little sore now and have had a bit of a break for a few days while on holiday , but back on the sensor now. I think this kit is still great but a little worried about the bruises and soreness iam getting.

Mar 16, 2015

torana 53 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter)

marke said:
Day 9:
Not a lot to add apart from Abbott have no responded to emails and so I am asking them a load of detailed questions, if you have any
questions let me know and I will add them to my list. I will update people as and when I get answers. The results from the sensor today are a lot closer to my One Touch readings and are generally well within + or - 20%. The most interesting thing from the last few days is that the biggest spike in my BG is after breakfast in the mornings, perhaps I need to change the cereal I eat ? I will try and see what happens.

hi marke, I have found your use of the sensor very informative. There are no sensors on the market yet in Australia so your trial is worthwhile as a precursor of what's to come.

Mar 16, 2015

torana 53 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter)

marke said:
Day 9:
Not a lot to add apart from Abbott have no responded to emails and so I am asking them a load of detailed questions, if you have any
questions let me know and I will add them to my list. I will update people as and when I get answers. The results from the sensor today are a lot closer to my One Touch readings and are generally well within + or - 20%. The most interesting thing from the last few days is that the biggest spike in my BG is after breakfast in the mornings, perhaps I need to change the cereal I eat ? I will try and see what happens.

hi marke, I have found your use of the sensor very informative. There are no sensors on the market yet in Australia so your trial is worthwhile as a precursor of what's to come.

Mar 16, 2015

Simon 578 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter)

As far as I can see there is no subscription available, they have probably thought it may be a good idea for the future but won't get round to doing it. Regarding VAT during the checkout process you tick a box to certify that you are VAT exempt for the sensors and it is automatically taken off. Although the sensor limit is 2 per order I must say delivery has been pretty fast when I do order them.

Mar 15, 2015

Yumphee 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Travel Insurance

Hello friends !

The trick is to shop around. It is quite easy with the tools available in this day and age.
I use these for car, home and, just now, for travel insurance.

gocompare, confused.com, moneysupermarket.

Only took a quote from gocompare and have been quoted 33 to 230 Pounds for single trip (family). The best among them is a five star rated quote for 65 quid. Not bad ?!
I'll post further if I get anything better.
Tried Tesco too but (despite having a clubcard) was quoted 160/- quids. Atrocious isn't it ?!

Another port of call for me is moneysavingexpert.com.

Good luck. God Bless you all.

Mar 15, 2015

marke 686 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter)

Is anyone actually getting any sensors from Abbot on subscription, their website continues with its usual high standards Evil or Very Mad

On a related note are you paying full price ? or without the VAT as you should be, obviously the link on the Abbot site doesn't work and they don't make it clear but as Type 1 diabetics you DO NOT pay VAT on the sensors since they are specific to your condition and you do not pay VAT on any Diabetes equipment. Their FAQ says the price DOES include VAT and therefore you can be exempt from this. In theory they should ask for evidence of your diabetes but I wouldn't be shocked to find they don't. I would be interested if anyone has
tried to get the VAT back and obviously if the subscription actually works. I have not signed up for it as yet since so many people were indicating they were not producing enough sensors.

Mar 12, 2015

Neville COL 23 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Retinopathy & Lucentis injections.

Think that by comparison with you Faulty, I was lucky in that the hospital in Norwich had very good diabetic services! Due to the fact that I only have one fully functioning eye ( the left eye doesn t focus) has meant that the eye doctors keep a proper look out for me.....Since I moved to Colchester the same care has been taken. Its sad that care is so variable......

Mar 24, 2015 Warwick 425 posts	Topic: General Discussion / washing hands ? I always have hand sanitising gels on me, and use them. Mainly to avoid bacterial infections, but always to get readings as accurate as possible. I have heard from some people that some brands will raise the reading, so check the contents before buying. I've never had any trouble myself with the brands I have used. I'd tell yu the brands that I use, but I suspect that being in Australia, different brands are available here than in the UK.

Mar 23, 2015 glen4 46 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / white rice You weigh the rice after its cooked? Rice is slow acting carbs so maybe lower your insulin dose? What's your readings 2-3 hours later?

Mar 22, 2015 SimonC 78 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Too Many Sticks! Peter said: If your doctor is complaining about the level of strip usage, I'd suggest you refer them to the new NICE National Clinical Guideline on the treatment which should provided to all Type 1 Diabetics in the UK. Whilst it is still in draft form at the moment, the final version is due to be published later this year (target August). The relevant recommendations for Blood Glucose Control, which is listed as a key priority for implementation is: Support adults with type 1 diabetes to test at least 4 times a day, and up to 10 times a day if any of the following apply: the target for blood glucose control, measured by HbA1c level (see recommendation 1.6.6), is not achieved the frequency of hypoglycaemic episodes increases there is a legal requirement to do so (such as before driving, in line with DVLA requirements) during periods of illness before and after sport when planning pregnancy, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding Given that these circumstances apply to most of us, this recommendation should be enough to persuade GPs of the need for a sensible quantity of test strops per day. Peter - I think this is good, sound advice, and a very useful list of re the reasons why we need to test - all T1 should know this, and be able to quote it, as certainly in the UK, with more and more pressures being put on GP's to save money, there may be a tendency for them to look at the short term gains in saving on stuff such as strips and needles, without the bigger picture of much more costly saving in the longer term being made by using them.

Mar 22, 2015 ketostix pla... 25 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Urticaria&type1 vs tattoo Thanks guy for your responses, much appreciated

Mar 22, 2015 Peter 109 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Too Many Sticks! Should have said that the guidance can be found here: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/gid-cgwaver122/documents/type-1-diabetes-update-draft-nice-guideline2

Mar 22, 2015 Peter 109 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Too Many Sticks! If your doctor is complaining about the level of strip usage, I'd suggest you refer them to the new NICE National Clinical Guideline on the treatment which should provided to all Type 1 Diabetics in the UK. Whilst it is still in draft form at the moment, the final version is due to be published later this year (target August). The relevant recommendations for Blood Glucose Control, which is listed as a key priority for implementation is: Support adults with type 1 diabetes to test at least 4 times a day, and up to 10 times a day if any of the following apply: the target for blood glucose control, measured by HbA1c level (see recommendation 1.6.6), is not achieved the frequency of hypoglycaemic episodes increases there is a legal requirement to do so (such as before driving, in line with DVLA requirements) during periods of illness before and after sport when planning pregnancy, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding Given that these circumstances apply to most of us, this recommendation should be enough to persuade GPs of the need for a sensible quantity of test strops per day.

Mar 22, 2015 Peter 109 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Travelling by plane with an insulin pump Update from my trip to US last month wearing a patch pump (Omnipod) is that the patch wasn't detected by the standard security monitors either in Heathrow or Atlanta. I'd imagine that the same wouldn't be true of the newer whole body scanners, but will have to wait for another trip to see what happens then. I guess this could be another advantage for the Omnipod over a traditional pump for anyone travelling regularly.

Mar 22, 2015 meakin 1 post	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / white rice Does anybody have trouble with white rice.I've just been DAFNE trained and I am having a problem with rice.I am taking the correct QA insulin but I regular then suffer a low blood sugar after a couple of hours as if the insulin is working quicker than the rice is.Any suggestions please.

Mar 22, 2015 Stew B 125 posts	Topic: General Discussion / washing hands ? If it's confession time, I must admit that I seldom wash my hands specifically for BG testing.. If I've got dirty hands through gardening etc. or if I get a reading that's wildly different to the expectation than yes (before re-testing), but otherwise no. I seem to remember being warned on my DAFNE course not to use wet-wipes (but then I also seem to remember being advised to always wash my hands before testing). Stew

Mar 22, 2015 ArleneSarahC... 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Urticaria&type1 vs tattoo I suffer from idiopathic urticaria and dermagraphism too. Mine becomes really bad if I've been sunbathing. Anyway I haven't had a breakout for a couple of years now and I have had tattoos without any problems. Always good to discuss with your derm doctor though.

Mar 21, 2015 alturn 78 posts	Topic: General Discussion / washing hands ? If I can't wash in warm water (preferably with soap), I wouldn't use anything, just test and adjust as required. I don't think I've ever been far out using this method, but my hands are normally free from obvious things like soil, oil etc. I don't use cold water as my knuckles tend to split when cold, and I think some of these gels cause me dry skin (others may have different results). If they were very mucky or unable to test, I would take a best guess and inject based on carbs, activity and previous experience. Welcome to DAFNE and happy testing.

Mar 21, 2015 dannyd64 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / washing hands ? High folks, I have never really done BG tests in the past 45 years but now I have started on DAFNE I am, My question is, what do people use to clean their hands before a BG if you are nowhere near a clean soap and water supply. Do wipes, lotions and gels cause falls readings. Thanks in advance.

Mar 19, 2015 KC 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Kit bags Many thanks HelenH for the recommendation. I ordered the cosmetic/makeup bag which is great and extremely useful. I admit that it's a bit bigger than I am use to, however it does contain many useful sections. K

Mar 16, 2015 sarahg 29 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Hi guys , iam still ordering the 2 sensors at a time as the subscription is still not up and running Has anyone found there arms are getting a bit sore now after using these for a few months now? I have found that my arms appear to be a little sore now and have had a bit of a break for a few days while on holiday , but back on the sensor now. I think this kit is still great but a little worried about the bruises and soreness iam getting.

Mar 16, 2015 torana 53 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) marke said: Day 9: Not a lot to add apart from Abbott have no responded to emails and so I am asking them a load of detailed questions, if you have any questions let me know and I will add them to my list. I will update people as and when I get answers. The results from the sensor today are a lot closer to my One Touch readings and are generally well within + or - 20%. The most interesting thing from the last few days is that the biggest spike in my BG is after breakfast in the mornings, perhaps I need to change the cereal I eat ? I will try and see what happens. hi marke, I have found your use of the sensor very informative. There are no sensors on the market yet in Australia so your trial is worthwhile as a precursor of what's to come.

Mar 16, 2015 torana 53 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) marke said: Day 9: Not a lot to add apart from Abbott have no responded to emails and so I am asking them a load of detailed questions, if you have any questions let me know and I will add them to my list. I will update people as and when I get answers. The results from the sensor today are a lot closer to my One Touch readings and are generally well within + or - 20%. The most interesting thing from the last few days is that the biggest spike in my BG is after breakfast in the mornings, perhaps I need to change the cereal I eat ? I will try and see what happens. hi marke, I have found your use of the sensor very informative. There are no sensors on the market yet in Australia so your trial is worthwhile as a precursor of what's to come.

Mar 16, 2015 Simon 578 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) As far as I can see there is no subscription available, they have probably thought it may be a good idea for the future but won't get round to doing it. Regarding VAT during the checkout process you tick a box to certify that you are VAT exempt for the sensors and it is automatically taken off. Although the sensor limit is 2 per order I must say delivery has been pretty fast when I do order them.

Mar 15, 2015 Yumphee 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Travel Insurance Hello friends ! The trick is to shop around. It is quite easy with the tools available in this day and age. I use these for car, home and, just now, for travel insurance. gocompare, confused.com, moneysupermarket. Only took a quote from gocompare and have been quoted 33 to 230 Pounds for single trip (family). The best among them is a five star rated quote for 65 quid. Not bad ?! I'll post further if I get anything better. Tried Tesco too but (despite having a clubcard) was quoted 160/- quids. Atrocious isn't it ?! Another port of call for me is moneysavingexpert.com. Good luck. God Bless you all.

Mar 15, 2015 marke 686 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Is anyone actually getting any sensors from Abbot on subscription, their website continues with its usual high standards On a related note are you paying full price ? or without the VAT as you should be, obviously the link on the Abbot site doesn't work and they don't make it clear but as Type 1 diabetics you DO NOT pay VAT on the sensors since they are specific to your condition and you do not pay VAT on any Diabetes equipment. Their FAQ says the price DOES include VAT and therefore you can be exempt from this. In theory they should ask for evidence of your diabetes but I wouldn't be shocked to find they don't. I would be interested if anyone has tried to get the VAT back and obviously if the subscription actually works. I have not signed up for it as yet since so many people were indicating they were not producing enough sensors.

Mar 12, 2015 Neville COL 23 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Retinopathy & Lucentis injections. Think that by comparison with you Faulty, I was lucky in that the hospital in Norwich had very good diabetic services! Due to the fact that I only have one fully functioning eye ( the left eye doesn t focus) has meant that the eye doctors keep a proper look out for me.....Since I moved to Colchester the same care has been taken. Its sad that care is so variable......